New Sergeant Major visits Beaufort Marines | News

There was an addition to the schedule at the Lasseter Theater on Thursday, a high-energy show for and about the Marines at Air Station Beaufort.

Sgt. Maj. Micheal Barrett, the highest ranking non-commissioned officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, made his first visit to Beaufort since taking over the position on June 9. He also made a definite impression.

"He's a high-energy guy,'' Cpl. Cameron Churchman said of the 17^th Sergeant Major in Marine Corps history. "He's a motivator, he knows how to touch people. He knows how to get people fired up and to love what they do.''

Having returned from Afghanistan two months ago, Barrett updated the Marines on the War Against Terror.

He also took questions on subjects ranging from the troop withdrawal announced Wednesday night, which he said was a sign of the continued progress in Afghanistan, to women in combat, which he said he supported "100 percent.''

He even addressed the relatively new and somewhat controversial policy limiting how many tattoos Marines can have.

"The policy is fine,'' Barrett said of the policy that says Marines may not have more than three tattoos. "Frankly, we've got bigger issues and I'm not going to spend one second of my time on the tattoo policy.''

But every answer and the entire visit to Beaufort was to let Marines know they are appreciated by the Corps and by their new Sergeant Major.

"I'm absolutely blown away by their level of commitment and their selflessness and sacrifices,'' said Barrett. "I'm energized every single time I get to step in front of them.''

And as he settles into his new role, Barrett will spend as much time as possible standing in front of and with Marines.

"I haven't slept since I took the job and I don't know if I'll ever sleep,'' he said. "It's because I'm just so fired up and so humbled and so privileged to be able to serve Marines at this level.''

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